The proposed site is located around 0.7km to the east of Bosham and within the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

BNRG Renewables Ltd, the company overseeing the proposal, estimates the solar field would generate enough energy to power more than 1,000 homes and should last for about 30 years.

The design statement says: “The solar park would have an installed capacity of approximately 3.3MW and consist of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with a maximum overall height of approximately 2.4m above ground level.

“Associated infrastructure for the solar farm would include access tracks, fencing, security cameras, four electrical transformer-inverter stations, and substation.”

The application form contains one letter of objection. Melissa and Patrick Disney believe the high quality of soil at the farm should be preserved for agriculture and object to its location.

“The panels will stand nearly eight foot tall when erected and there are to be around 12,500 of them,” it states.

“Thousands of people visit this region each year to enjoy the charming villages and stunning countryside.

“Hundreds of walkers ramble along the footpaths through the fields and around the harbour. Allowing such a development in an AONB would set an unwelcome precedent.”